Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1998 |
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| Location | 29270 County Highway G, Ashland, Wisconsin United States (near the corner of Highway G and U.S. Route 2) |
| Type | Visitor center, museum, community space and nature center |
| Key holdings | Regional archive office of the Wisconsin Historical Society (on second floor) |
| Collections | Historical displays of regional interest, especially of natural history |
| Owner | US Forest Service |
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a super cool place to visit in Ashland, Wisconsin. It's a special spot where you can learn all about the amazing nature and history of the Great Lakes region. It's like a museum, a visitor center, and a nature center all rolled into one! The best part? It's open every day, and it's totally free to get in.
Contents
Exploring the Visitor Center
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center first opened its doors in 1998. Many different groups work together to run this awesome place. These partners include the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Wisconsin Historical Society. They all help make sure there's always something new to discover.
What You'll Find Inside
The center has three floors packed with interesting things to see and do.
First Floor Fun
On the first floor, you'll find exhibits all about the natural history of the area. This means you can learn about the animals, plants, and landscapes. There's also an information desk where you can ask questions. Don't forget to check out the gift shop for souvenirs! You can also relax in the Martin Hansen Theatre. Here, you can watch cool movies about science and history. Just ask a staff member to play one for you!
Second Floor Discoveries
The second floor is home to a special office of the Wisconsin Historical Society. This office keeps important old documents and records from the region. It's like a giant library of history!
Outdoor Adventures
Right behind the building, there's a fun outdoor trail. It's a ¾-mile long boardwalk that winds through different natural areas. You'll walk through swamps with black ash trees and sedge plants. You might even see tall cedar and tamarack trees. It's a great way to experience nature up close!
Amazing Exhibits
The main exhibits on the first floor are all about the natural world around Lake Superior. You can learn how this giant lake affects everything nearby.
Changing Displays
On the second floor, there's a smaller exhibit space. The displays here change often, so there's always something new to see. These exhibits usually focus on human history in the region. This means you can learn about the people who lived here long ago and how they shaped the area.
